5 Beautiful Cities You Must Visit In South Korea

South Korea has become one of the leading tourist destinations in the world in recent years. Rich in history, culture, and tasty cuisine, and with an intriguing mix of urban hotspots and idyllic countryside, South Korea has a wide variety of tourist attractions. From some of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines and natural reserves, incredible experiences of its traditions, an abundance of cherry trees, and centuries-old Buddhist temples, the cities here have it all. But, the question arises, where to begin? We have picked the six most popular cities of South Korea.

# Daegu

One of the largest cities of South Korea, Daegu is the capital of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and is located near the Geumho river. The city is historically known for being the traditional court music centre during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1905). Today, it has grown to become one of the most popular economic and cultural centres in South Korea. Daegu is the hub of the textile industry and also boasts fantastic art museums, beautiful old churches and temples, with thriving food and nightlife scenes. The city’s old and prosperous music culture has made it to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Music since 2017. It hosts many festivals such as Chicken and Beer Festival and Dalgubeol Lantern Festival, and music concerts such as Daegu International Opera Festival and Daegu International Musical Festival. Visit the fabulous Donghwasa temple and the 1,100-year-old Gatbawi Buddha, a magnificent stone statue of the Buddha.

# Incheon

This port city in South Korea is located on the coast directly bordering the west of Seoul, and is the third-largest city in the country. This autonomous metropolitan centre is home to South Korea’s major international airport and a modern seaport. At this port, during the Korean war, American forces landed in 1950 to recapture South Korea’s capital. Therefore, today, the city is known as the site of the Incheon landing. One of South Korea’s seven Free Economic Zones, Incheon is one of the South Korean cities that led the country’s historical and economic development by opening its harbours to the outside world. Visit its bustling Chinatown, the oldest temple in the country Jeondeungsa, and the maze of shops, restaurants, and bars in Bupyeong Station Underground Shopping Mall. Don’t forget to visit the award-winning airport—Incheon International Airport for incredible quality service, along with a variety of recreational facilities such as casinos, spas, and even golf courses.

# Busan

Located in the south-eastern province of South Gyeongsang, South Korea, Busan is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its beautiful scenery made up of forest-coated mountains and gorgeous beaches. It is the second-largest city in the country and is home to the largest port in the country. Along with scenic attractions, the city also boasts a rich heritage of outdoor activities, such as scuba diving by the beach, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, or cruising on a yacht. Head over to Gamcheon Cultural Village which is full of brightly-coloured houses that offer delightful views over the city. Out of many interesting historical sites scattered around the city, visit the popular Beomeosa Temple with its numerous hot springs and Haedong Yonggungsa also known as The Water Temple, which provides an unparalleled view of the coastal area and is the most visited temple among all the cities of South Korea.

# Seoul

Nestled beside the Han river in the northwestern part of the country, Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. Encompassed by hilly and mountainous landscapes, this beautiful city has a long history that can be traced back to about 18 BC. Seoul has been the capital city of three kingdoms, and is therefore full of history as well as cultural landmarks which have been made UNESCO World Heritage sites. Officially known as Seoul Special City, this sprawling metropolis is home to over 25 million residents, about half of South Korea’s population. Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and is enthralling to explore. This modern cosmopolitan city is filled with a mixture of old and modern architecture. You will find centuries-old palaces such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Buddhist temples rubbing shoulders with gleaming shopping malls and bustling night markets such as Dongdaemun, and Myeongdong Shopping Street, perfect for all shopaholics. If you’d like to party the night away, don’t worry! Seoul has a thriving nightlife with restaurants, pubs, bars, and karaoke rooms.

# Jeju City

Jeju City is the capital and the largest city on the island of the same name in South Korea. Quite famous for being the go-to honeymoon destination in South Korea, this city offers everything from astounding rock formations, majestic backdrops to teeming greenery and warm, welcoming climate. As the city is a well-known resort and has prestigious hotels and public casino facilities, many tourists use it as a base from which they explore the rest of Jeju island. It is located off the southern coast of South Korea, on the north side of the Jeju island and is sandwiched between Mt Halla and the coast. Along with the breathtaking sights, don’t forget to visit nearby Jeju Loveland, a unique adult-only theme park, and the Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum, the only museum in Korea that collects, researches, and exhibits folklore remains and natural historical materials of Jeju island.